The African Democratic Congress (ADC), led by former Senate President David Mark, has rejected the interpretation of a recent Court of Appeal ruling by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), intensifying the party’s internal leadership dispute.
In a statement released on Wednesday evening, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, accused the electoral commission of succumbing to external political pressure in its handling of the matter.
He alleged that INEC’s stance reflected the influence of a government unsettled by the party’s growing prominence, despite what he described as sustained efforts to weaken opposition voices and tilt the political space towards a one-party structure.
“We reject INEC’s interpretation of the Court of Appeal ruling.
”We knew that INEC was being pressured by a government that has become jittery from the ADC’s rising momentum, even in the face of its relentless assault on all opposition parties,” the statement read.
Abdullahi also criticised the commission’s position, describing it as contradictory and inconsistent with established facts.
“INEC’s press statement is full of contradictions that fly in the face of both facts and reason. We shall clarify these contradictions for all to see.
”What is clear, however, is that INEC has caved to pressure and has chosen to side with the government against the Nigerian people,” he said.
The party spokesman added that the ADC was currently reviewing its legal and political options and will announce its next line of action in due course.
He also called on members and supporters to remain calm while expressing confidence in the party’s trajectory.
“Nigeria is rising, ADC is rising,” Abdullahi declared.
The reaction followed INEC’s earlier announcement that it would no longer recognise or accept correspondence from either the David Mark-led faction of the ADC or the rival group led by Rafiu Bala.
The electoral body said the decision was based on its review of a Court of Appeal judgment delivered on March 12.
In a statement signed by its Chairman of Information and Voter Education, Mohammed Kudu, INEC stated that it would also refrain from monitoring any activities of both factions pending the resolution of the dispute at the Federal High Court.
INEC further disclosed plans to remove the names of David Mark from its official portal as part of the enforcement of its decision.
The crisis within the party stemmed from a legal challenge initiated by Rafiu Bala, a former national vice chairman of the ADC, who is contesting the legitimacy of the leadership structure headed by David Mark and members of the party’s National Working Committee.
As the dispute deepens, political observers say the outcome of the court proceedings will be pivotal in determining the future leadership and stability of the party.
